The 2006 airport construction season kicked off on
Monday and although not as busy as the previous years
construction, still many improvements on the airfield
side of the airport. The total project cost for this
year is approximately $1.7 million which is funded
jointly by the FAA and the Municipal Airport Authority.

The project entails two separate contracts which were
both bid in March. Northern Improvement of Fargo was
awarded the south general aviation ramp rehabilitation.
This is a continuation of the general aviation ramp
project that has been ongoing. The project consists
mainly of concrete panel and storm water inlet
replacement along with paving grass areas that have
become difficult to maintain. This project should be
completed by early July.

The second contract was awarded to Strata Corporation of
Fargo. This project is to remove the asphalt shoulders
on Taxiway's 'A' and 'D' and replace with dirt and
grass. The old asphalt shoulders were becoming
difficult to maintain and replacement was determined to
be unnecessary.

In addition the old taxiway lighting
circuit is being replaced and updated with new LED light
fixtures. The older quartz halogen lights used 45 watts
each on the highest light setting. The new LED fixtures
use 1 watt. There are approximately 300 quartz halogen
light fixtures that are being replaced with new LED
fixtures. In addition to the power savings, the new LED
fixtures are projected to operate for up to 20 years
before replacement is needed. This project should be
completed in early Fall.

Later this summer, the Municipal Airport Authority will
receive bids on the west terminal expansion project. If
the bids are acceptable, work on the expansion could
begin this fall.

In addition to the Airport Authority projects, the
Federal Aviation Administration has completed
construction of a new airport surveillance radar
(ASR-11). The current radar, located on the east side
of the airport, will be replaced by a new digital-based
system. The 70-foot high radar tower is located
directly south of the passenger terminal. This project
is funded entirely by the FAA and should be operational
in early 2007.